Whether you want California casual, 18th-century French Regency style, or cool, Shaker-style elegance, these ten interior designers deliver the goods. Their work shows that money can buy taste if you are willing to spend what it takes to get the look.

We consulted design centers, real estate brokers, homeowners and shelter magazines to formulate on our own list of ten leading designers based in West coast cities. Together, they hold a boldface client roster from the top rungs of the entertainment, retail, hospitality and financial worlds, including billionaire Eli Broad, hotelier Ian Schrager, musician Kenny G and actor Nathan Lane

We queried them for design tips and received an array of responses ranging from fundamental suggestions to creative touches: simplify, mix your own paint colors and remember the importance of lighting. We also asked them for their favorite places to shop anywhere in the world, so the next time you find yourself in a mentioned city you can spend or just window shop.

Here follows the list of interior designers:

Neil Korpinen and Rick Erickson, Santa Barbara

Beginning about 15 years ago, Neil Korpinen and Rick Erickson do everything from planning the restoration to stocking the refrigerator. Projects include the interior design of a 1920s George

Washington Smith estate in Montecito, Calif., and a newly built Tuscan villa in Santa Barbara. Noteworthy clients include actors Bette Midler and Nathan Lane.


Design tips:

•	Reference the architecture on any given project.
•	Use custom paint colors.
•	Use unexpected colors or patterns in drapery.

Favorite stores:

Studio 2
925 Calle Puerto Vallarta
Santa Barbara
(805) 965-8100
Fine art, pottery and accessories.

Mauna Kea Galleries

65-1298 Kawaiahe Road
Kamuela, Hawaii
(808) 969-4852
Arts and artifacts from the Pacific Islands.

John J. Nelson Antiques
8472 Melrose Place
Los Angeles
(310) 652-2103
Continental antiques.